Recent data from national and international public health organizations indicate a concerning resurgence of measles worldwide. The uptick in cases underscores the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent outbreaks of this highly contagious disease.
United States
As of April 24, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 884 confirmed measles cases across 30 jurisdictions. This marks the second-highest annual case count in the past 25 years. The majority of cases are linked to outbreaks in communities with low vaccination coverage, particularly in Texas and New Mexico.
Region of the Americas
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a total of 2,318 measles cases, including three deaths, in six countries within the Region of the Americas as of April 18, 2025. This represents an 11-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024. Canada and Mexico have reported significant case numbers, with 1,069 and 421 cases respectively.
Europe
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has observed a notable rise in measles cases across several European countries. The agency warns that the virus is circulating in the region and anticipates an increase in cases in 2025.
Africa
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) highlights ongoing challenges in vaccine accessibility, with over 500,000 children under five dying each year from preventable diseases, including measles. The agency emphasizes the need for strengthened immunization programs to address these preventable deaths.
Global Perspective
The WHO reports that measles cases reached an estimated 10.3 million globally in 2023, a 20% increase compared to 2022. This upward trend is attributed to reductions in immunization coverage during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This upward trend likely continued into 2024 and 2025, as outbreaks have intensified around the world. In the past 12 months, 138 countries have reported measles cases, with 61 experiencing large or disruptive outbreaks – the highest number observed in any 12-month period since 2019.
Public Health Implications
The resurgence of measles serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination programs. Public health agencies worldwide are calling for renewed efforts to increase vaccine coverage, enhance disease surveillance, and engage communities in immunization initiatives.
Note: The information provided is based on the latest available data as of April 30, 2025. For the most current updates, please refer to the official websites of the respective public health agencies.